Birthday Watch August 1963! Seiko Cal 4361 (436) Sportsman 15005E 17J Gold-Filled Mechanical Watch

A BIRTHDAY WATCH IS A WATCH THAT WAS PRODUCED THE SAME MONTH AND YEAR AS YOUR BIRTHDAY.

Make: Seiko
Type: Mechanical
Model: Sportsman, 15005E
Year of Production: August 1963
Movement: 4361(436)
BPH: 18,000
Number of Jewels: 17
Hand and Dial: 3D Solid-Gold Baton Indices with Dauphine Hands
Width: 38mm
Lug to Lug Height: 42mm
Thickness: 10mm
Lug Width: 19mm
Bracelet: Brand-New Hi-Quality Genuine Leather Strap with Gold Buckle
Pouch / Box: Brand-New EVA Type Zipper Pouch

According to most legitimate online information available, the Seiko 4361 is the same as the 436 movement that made its debut in 1960 and lasted until 1969. This movement was predominantly used in the Seiko Sportsman series. It is a mechanical watch that manually must be wound. Power reserve is 41 hours when the watch is fully wound.

The objective was to create a sporty watch with certain dress watch features with a bigger dial. This watch is the predecessor of the Seiko Sportsmatic range.

Unsurprisingly, mechanical hand wound watches are making a subtle but certain comeback in recent times because many from the younger generation have gone "retro" and vintage watches especially hand-wound units have become a must-have. This has not gone unnoticed by many watch companies so much so that Seiko, Orient etc. have launched "re-editions" of famous vintage designs; however, current movement models are used instead. 

For Seiko Collectors and Vintage fans, this is a pre-SUWA (logo) Seiko Seikosha in near mint condition, and it is a Collectible due to its age and most importantly, its movement and AD status.

This extremely rare Seiko Sportsman is a sight to behold! It's original egg white dial is in pristine condition after a good clean-up, so too the 14K solid-gold baton indices, hands, and gold-filled case.

The timeless cylindrical shaped gold-filled case was buffed as best as possible; however, there are some hairline scratches present. The glass is original and was given a good rub-down but nonetheless, hairline scratches are still present but unnoticeable.

The crown is located at the traditional 3H position and is easily accessible.

The movement was carefully stripped, cleaned, oiled, re-assembled and calibrated in September 2022. It should be able to operate unhindered until the next servicing thereby providing the buyer peace of mind.

Equipped with the well revered 4361 movement, it has 17 Jewels that operate at 18,000 beats per hour (BPH) giving it excellent accuracy and longevity. The time-grapher shows excellent readings i.e. rate of "0" seconds every 24 hours and amplitude of 266! Such readings are exceptional even by brand new automatic watch standards whereby the accepted tolerance is -20- to +40 seconds a day! This is a testament to the quality, excellent power reserve, the meticulous care provided over the years, and the painstaking calibration conducted. 

The case width and height are approx. 38mm (w/o crown) and 42mm respectively. The lug width is 19mm and the leather strap can accommodate wrists up to 21cm; hence, this watch is suitable for men and the modern women.

A beautifully crafted hand-stitched high quality genuine leather cherry red + earthy brown strap with brown stitching and gold buckle is provided to enhance the colour of the case and dial. 

To the best of our knowledge and expertise when overhauling the timepiece, the watch is 100% original Seiko components from this particular watch. No parts were replaced with aftermarket or modified parts. 

Due to its age, this timepiece has not been water-resistant tested even though the seals are in place.

The pictures provided shows the watch in pristine condition (no dents, dings and major scratches), and the movement within squeaky clean and well maintained. It has also been demagnetised to improve parts reliability, minimise wear & tear, and improve accuracy. The only drawback is the lack of documentation and original box. An aftermarket box or purposeful carrying case will be provided instead.

This very rare watch will make a beautiful birthday present for that special someone born in August 1963, and its value will appreciate over time.

Bear in mind that this watch has seen many of the previous owners’ ups and downs in life, and should be cherished and well taken care of for the next generation to savour such engineering beauty.

Do also bear in mind that it will cost between S$ 120.00 to S$ 150.00 for a proper servicing, an estimated S$ 80.00 to calibrate (depending on watch condition), and S$ 100.00 to clean and polish including tightening of bracelet links - these costs do not apply when purchasing this timepiece. So, if anyone was to sell such a timepiece at a low price yet claim that it has been serviced, one has to ask what kind of servicing was conducted, if any.

This is a truly magnificent August 1963 Gold-Filled Seiko Seikosha DAINI in near-mint condition; so, be unique and wear a watch that is almost impossible to source in such fine condition.